Final year medical student teaching interviews - traditional and MMI - for all UK medical schools!

Find out more about Samuel

• When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  My interest in medicine started early, fuelled by a deep fascination with the human body and how it functions. As I progressed through medical school, this passion only grew, especially as I began to gain hands-on experience operating on patients during surgeries. This unique, immersive experience has deepened my understanding of medical science and its real-world applications. At the same time, I've always enjoyed helping others learn, which led me to start tutoring about five years ago. Initially, I was helping friends and younger students with science and UCAT prep, but I quickly realized how rewarding it is to see students grasp difficult concepts and gain confidence. That's when I decided to focus on private tutoring alongside my medical studies, sharing both my academic and practical knowledge with aspiring students.

• Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  I teach a range of subjects, including UCAT preparation, medical school interviews, as well as A-Level and GCSE sciences. I enjoy helping students understand complex scientific concepts, like cellular biology, organic chemistry, and physics. I find it rewarding to see students grasp challenging topics and apply their knowledge to problem-solving scenarios. UCAT preparation is particularly interesting to me because it's not just about memorization-it's about strategy and logical thinking, skills that are incredibly useful in both medicine and everyday life. The only aspect I enjoy slightly less is teaching rote memorization-heavy topics, but I always strive to make those as engaging and applicable as possible.

• Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  Yes, during my A-levels, I had a biology teacher who was incredibly passionate about the subject. She didn't just teach from the syllabus but encouraged us to think critically about how biological systems work in real-world applications. Her teaching style was both engaging and rigorous, and she had a unique ability to break down complex topics into digestible pieces. This helped me realize the importance of being an adaptive and supportive tutor. She inspired me to approach teaching as a way to nurture curiosity and critical thinking, not just deliver information.

• What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  A good tutor needs to be patient, adaptable, and empathetic. Every student has a different learning style, and it's important to tailor teaching methods accordingly. Being able to break down complex concepts into simpler terms and recognizing when a student needs more time or a different approach is crucial. Communication is another key quality-encouraging students to ask questions and guiding them to find the answers themselves helps build their confidence. Finally, enthusiasm is important. If a tutor is passionate about the subject, it becomes infectious, making learning a more enjoyable experience for the student.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  During my own UCAT preparation, I remember feeling overwhelmed by the time constraints of the test. It was a challenging period, but it taught me the importance of not just content knowledge but also exam strategy and time management. I vividly recall the breakthrough moment when I figured out how to balance speed and accuracy by practicing under timed conditions. This personal experience is something I now pass on to my students-many of whom face the same challenges. It's always rewarding to see the relief on a student's face when they realize they can master the exam with the right techniques.

• What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or are still facing in your subject?

  One of the main challenges in preparing for medical school, particularly with UCAT and interviews, is the sheer volume of material and the pressure of time. The UCAT is designed to test both knowledge and quick thinking, which can be intimidating for many students. For me, the challenge was finding efficient ways to manage my time and avoid burnout; while ensuring I thoroughly understood the material. Today, I help my students navigate this same challenge by emphasizing the importance of a structured study schedule and teaching them practical exam strategies that can help them perform under pressure.

• Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject or something completely different?

  My passion lies in both medicine and education. While I'm deeply invested in my medical studies and the potential to make a difference in healthcare, I've found equal satisfaction in teaching. There's something uniquely rewarding about helping someone else succeed and watching them grow in confidence and capability. It's not just about teaching science or exam techniques-it's about mentoring and guiding students toward their goals, whether that's medical school or excelling in their exams.

• What makes you a Superprof (besides answering these interview questions :-P)?

  What makes me a Superprof is not just my love for teaching but the unique combination of five years of tutoring experience and real-world medical knowledge. My fascination with the human body has even led me to assist in surgeries-so when I explain anatomy, I've quite literally seen it from the inside! I bring this passion for medicine into my teaching, making complex concepts easier to grasp. I understand the challenges my students face, and I'm here to guide them with enthusiasm and practical advice, whether it's tackling UCAT questions or nailing an A-level exam. Plus, I make sure we have fun along the way!